I'm a senior in high school, and the system says I'm going on a blind date with my childho

Chapter 277 It's your turn to sign for the gift.

Time flowed quietly with the sound of turning pages, and the numbers on the banner decreased day by day.

That unspoken understanding and anticipation about the gift softened the tense atmosphere of exam preparation with a touch of soft, bright color.

When the number reaches "32", May has quietly arrived.

The air was filled with the slight dryness and vibrancy of early summer.

Sunlight streamed through the large glass windows of the teaching building, pouring into the corridor and falling on the young men and women walking side by side toward their usual spot.

Li Zhi's steps were a little lighter than usual.

Shen Yuan walked beside her, a smile he couldn't suppress playing on his lips, his gaze sweeping over the girl beside him several times.

The huge "32" on the banner was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.

Li Zhigang stood directly in front of it, not yet having thought of what to say, when a hand with distinct knuckles held up a phone and held it horizontally in front of her, the camera precisely aimed at the glaring numbers.

Shen Yuan's cheerful voice rang in my ears.

"come on."

Li Zhi habitually raised his own soy milk and gently touched Shen Yuan's soy milk.

A crisp collision sounded.

She also chimed in, "Keep it up!"

The moment the photo was taken, Li Zhi’s gaze immediately shifted from the banner to Shen Yuan.

She raised her wrist, and the bright red string on her slender, fair wrist bounced in the sunlight.

The beautiful girl blinked, a hint of doubt in her eyes, and gently poked Shen Yuan's wrist, which was also adorned with a red string.

"Hey, Shen Yuan..."

Her voice was lowered, and her clear eyes were filled with accusation: "Where is my gift?"

Shen Yuan casually put away his phone, but his free right hand quietly slid down and precisely grasped Li Zhi's wrist, which was poking him.

The boy's warm fingertips tickled the inside of her slightly cool wrist bone, the force as light as a feather's scratch, bringing a slight shiver.

Taking advantage of the moment when Li Zhi's fingertips slightly recoiled from the unexpected touch, Shen Yuan suddenly leaned closer.

"What's the rush? Wait—"

He deliberately dragged out the melody, a mischievous glint flashing in his deep eyes as his gaze lingered on her face.

"I'll give you a surprise when you get home."

Li Zhi rolled her eyes at him without any politeness, her small nose wrinkling in dissatisfaction.

"Hmph! So many conditions..." she muttered under her breath, her tone clearly full of complaint.

The fingers on her wrist, adorned with a red string, unconsciously curled, revealing a hint of impatience in her waiting.

Then, the girl slightly raised her chin, her beautiful, misty eyes glancing sideways at Shen Yuan, narrowing them slightly with a warning, and said clearly, word by word.

"You better satisfy me, or else... Shen Yuan, you're finished! Do you hear me?!"

Looking at her little face, which was clearly full of anticipation yet pretending to be fierce, Shen Yuan's smile deepened.

Instead of retreating, the young man leaned forward slightly, his deep gaze, filled with absolute confidence and boundless tolerance, captivating her seemingly composed eyes like a magnet.

"I heard it, and not only did I hear it, I even engraved it here—"

He extended his slender index finger and gently tapped his heart.

The gesture was both elegant and subtly intimate.

The next second, a bright and radiant smile suddenly bloomed on his lips, his tone filled with the confident arrogance of a young man, as if he were sharing a future that was bound to come true.

"Li Bao, just wait patiently."

He looked directly into her eyes, which were beginning to show a hint of panic, and said firmly, "I promise..."

"This surprise will definitely move you to tears."

The morning sunlight, not yet hot, gently streamed over the classroom doorway.

Just a moment ago, the two were "at odds" in the corridor. Shen Yuan smiled and subtly led Li Zhi back half a step, making way for the doorway.

"Let's go, let's read a book first."

Shen Yuan teased her in a drawn-out tone, his voice not loud, just loud enough for Li Zhi, who was very close by, to hear clearly.

Li Zhi immediately rolled her eyes at him and raised her foot to crush his sneakers, but he nimbly dodged it.

The boy and girl stepped into the classroom one after the other.

People were already sitting around Li Zhi's seat.

Almost as soon as he sat down, He Zhiyu, who was in front of him, turned around.

Happy birthday, Zhizhi! This is just a small token of my appreciation~

Almost at the same time, Zhuo Peipei, who was standing nearby, also came over.

Compared to He Zhiyu's gentle smile, Zhuo Peipei was a bit loud and boisterous.

She took out a small, neatly wrapped gift box from her desk and gently pushed it onto Li Zhi's desk with both hands.

Happy birthday, Li Bao!

Zhuo Peipei's voice carried the unique vitality of a young girl, and the smile in her eyes was sincere and warm.

He Zhiyu also took out her gift box.

The two boxes, similar in size, were placed side by side next to Li Zhi's textbook, each expressing its own sentiment in a subtle way.

Zhuo Peipei's gift box was tied with an exquisite silk knot, which swayed slightly as she put it down, exuding a lively charm.

He Zhiyu's box was quietly wrapped in meticulous wrapping paper, with the corners neatly finished, just like its owner's reserved and thoughtful nature.

Looking at the two unexpected little gifts in front of her, the morning light clearly outlined the softness on her face, which was unexpectedly struck by the warmth of the gesture.

The reproach she felt towards Shen Yuan vanished instantly, leaving only a warm feeling of comfort in her heart, making the red ribbon appear even more vibrant.

"Thank you, Peipei, thank you, Zhiyu..."

Her voice was soft, tinged with a sense of being spoiled and helpless.

The girl reached out and touched the two small boxes, her fingertips curling slightly, unsure which one to pick up first.

Just then, a large hand with a bright red knot wrapped around its wrist suddenly passed by Li Zhi and swiftly and naturally reached for the two gift boxes placed side by side.

With a slightly teasing smile, Shen Yuan's fingertips were about to touch Zhuo Peipei's box, which was tied with an exquisite silk knot—

"Snapped!"

A soft, crisp sound rang out.

Li Zhi's hand moved with lightning speed, landing lightly on the back of Shen Yuan's hand without any hesitation.

The force wasn't strong, but it was clear that it was meant to stop him, even brushing away some of the sunlight that had settled on his fingers.

"Idiot! What are you doing?"

As Li Zhi gently scolded, her slender, fair fingers steadily swept the two precious boxes from Shen Yuan's clutches into her own arms.

Her movements were fluid and graceful, with a touch of coquettish possessiveness, and she instantly claimed the gifts as her own.

Shen Yuan's hand, which had been slapped away, froze in mid-air. He looked at the gift box the girl was protecting in front of her chest, and then at her little expression, which was a mixture of nervousness and smugness as she stared at him.

After a moment of stunned silence, the boy couldn't help but smile, and then he chuckled softly.

"Tsk."

With a doting smile, the boy lightly tapped the two tightly protected boxes in the air with his fingertips.

"Teacher Li's possessiveness towards her food is truly admirable."

"Who's hoarding their food! You idiot!"

Li Zhi tucked the gift box deeper into her bosom, her watery eyes widening even more as she spoke to Shen Yuan with an air of self-righteousness.

"These are my birthday gifts from everyone! They're mine! What does it have to do with you!"

He Zhiyu and Zhuo Peipei, who were standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh as they watched the young couple interact.

He Zhiyu pursed her lips, her eyes filled with a gentle, knowing smile.

Zhuo Peipei covered her mouth and laughed out loud, her shoulders trembling slightly.

A clear laugh echoed in a corner of the classroom in the early morning, mingling with the golden sunlight streaming through the window, filling the air with a pure and warm birthday atmosphere belonging to the boys and girls.

The two red strings tied around their wrists swayed slightly in the sunlight, like two warm little flames dancing silently.

As the laughter subsided, He Zhiyu turned to Shen Yuan with a gentle smile and a slightly inquisitive look in her eyes.

"Shen Yuan, what about the gift you gave Zhizhi? It wasn't confiscated, was it?"

As she spoke, she winked playfully at the gift box that Li Zhihu was holding in his arms.

Before Shen Yuan could speak, Li Zhi, who was holding the gift box, immediately snorted, her little face puffed up slightly, and she took over the conversation with a hint of dissatisfaction and grievance.

"Him? He's so mysterious!" Li Zhi glanced at Shen Yuan reproachfully, but a hint of sweetness crept into her smile.

"You're only telling me after school! Why are you being so mysterious..."

As Shen Yuan listened to his girlfriend's accusatory retelling, he simply leaned lazily against the table, the corners of his mouth curving even deeper, his confidence undisguised in his eyes.

The boy lightly tapped Li Zhi's slightly puffed-out cheek with his finger.

"Yes—surprises are meant to be revealed at the end to make them more interesting...be patient."

Watching the two exchange blows, and then seeing Li Zhi's expectant look despite his complaints, Zhuo Peipei couldn't help but burst out laughing again.

The bell rang in the classroom at the right time for the morning self-study session, and the brief, warm atmosphere was replaced by the rhythm of learning.

Shen Yuan ruffled Li Zhi's hair, a confident smile curving his lips: "Good boy, we'll find out after evening self-study."

Li Zhi puffed out his cheeks and finally hummed in agreement.

The girl carefully placed the gifts from her two friends deep into the drawer, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against the bright red ribbon on her wrist, her heart feeling as if gently warmed by the temperature of that red ribbon.

Throughout the entire day and evening self-study session, Li Zhi's mind seemed to be divided in two.

Half of her mind was immersed in the test papers and the teacher's voice, while the other half would always unconsciously drift toward Shen Yuan beside her.

The beautiful girl wanted to speak several times, but she was silenced when she met Shen Yuan's smiling eyes.

The soft scratching of the pen on the paper, time flowing quietly in the river of knowledge and the ripples in the heart.

The bell signaling the end of evening self-study finally broke the silence of the night.

The classroom instantly came alive with the cacophony of students saying goodbye. He Zhiyu and Zhuo Peipei smiled and said "Happy Birthday" to Li Zhi again before waving goodbye and leaving.

Li Zhi quickly packed his schoolbag and stood up.

She watched as Shen Yuan slowly and methodically zipped up his backpack, his movements unhurried, as if he wasn't in a hurry to fulfill his promise.

The girl tried her best to put on a calm expression that said, "I'm not really looking forward to it," but she couldn't help but urge, "Hurry up, you idiot."

"Here it comes." Shen Yuan picked up his schoolbag and slung it over his left shoulder.

He didn't say much, but simply extended his left hand, palm up, silently making a waiting gesture.

Looking at that hand with its distinct knuckles, Li Zhi didn't hesitate and gently placed her own hand on it.

The familiar warmth immediately enveloped her fingertips.

In that instant, the red string on Shen Yuan's wrist touched hers lightly.

“Let’s go,” Shen Yuan’s voice was deep and pleasant, carrying a sense of certainty that everything had settled down.

"A surprise awaits you at home."

The boy held the girl's hand tightly, their fingers intertwined, the red string on their wrists lightly touching as they moved.

The two stepped into the quiet early summer night outside the teaching building. The streetlights lengthened their shadows as they walked side by side, resolutely heading towards the home that held the mystery.

Li Zhi's hand, which was being held by Shen Yuan, was slightly damp with sweat. Her fingertips unconsciously curled up as they touched his dry, warm palm.

The red string on her wrist swayed gently with her steps, its bright color standing out under the streetlights, as if silently reminding her of the surprise that was about to be revealed.

She tried hard to suppress the curiosity and anticipation surging in her heart, and secretly glanced at Shen Yuan beside her.

The smile on the boy's lips never faded, and his eyes held a confident certainty. This excessive certainty, however, made her heart itch.

What exactly did this idiot prepare?

She couldn't help but mutter to herself.

My thoughts, like a runaway horse, galloped uncontrollably.

Will it be a delicate and exquisite piece of jewelry like the ones He Zhiyu and Zhuo Peipei gave me?

For example… another prettier bracelet? Or a cute pendant?
No, Shen Yuan usually doesn't seem very interested in these things...

Moreover, his previous mysterious behavior suggests there was more to it than that.

Then...could it be a book?

Suddenly, the image of Shen Yuan doing practice problems flashed through Li Zhi's mind.

Bah! What are you thinking!

She immediately dismissed the idea.

She recalled the dejected look on Shen Yuan's face when she gave him the workbook, and immediately felt that the idea was utterly absurd, and couldn't help but silently spit in her heart.

Even if Shen Yuan has the most "straight male" aesthetic sense, he wouldn't give a book as a birthday gift, would he?
He promised to make her "cry with emotion"...

A book... that's unlikely, isn't it?

That doesn't seem to be Shen Yuan's style either.

Could it be... a game console or headphones?

As a birthday gift, it seems reasonable.

But... she had a vague feeling that Shen Yuan's preparations wouldn't be so conventional.

Given how much he valued this gift and his declaration that it would be "absolutely unexpected," it must be even more...special.

Could it be... handmade?

Li Zhi's heart inexplicably quickened a little.

This seems to fit the definition of "surprise" better. What kind of handmade item is it?

My thoughts wandered back and forth—was it a painting? A photograph? Or… a booklet containing some kind of record?
Every guess filled her with both anticipation and a strange sense of nervousness.

Anyway... she quietly tightened her grip on Shen Yuan's hand, feeling the warmth of his palm and the beating of his pulse.

Oh right, he said he wanted to move me to tears... I can't let him underestimate me.

In any case, the answer lies in that home ahead, with its familiar lights shining.

The evening breeze gently ruffled the wisps of hair on the girl's forehead. She took a deep breath of the sweet, fresh air, and her pace quickened involuntarily.

A few sparse stars twinkled quietly in the night sky, as if they too were silently anticipating the surprise that awaited their arrival.

Shen Yuan sensed the urgency of her steps, turned his head to look at her, and saw that her eyes, which held a smile, appeared even more profound under the streetlights.

"Li Bao," he asked softly, his voice like a warm breeze blending into the night, "so impatient?"

Li Zhi's cheeks flushed slightly, but she refused to admit defeat verbally. She gave a soft snort and squeezed his fingers hard with her other hand.

"You idiot, stop talking nonsense and hurry up!"

The two stepped into the quiet night of the residential area, their footsteps echoing crisply in the empty corridor, like the rapid beating of their hearts.

The elevator doors closed behind me with a click, shutting out the outside world and creating a more private space for the surprise that was about to be revealed.

Shen Yuan took out the key, and the faint sound of metal scraping against the keyhole was particularly clear in the quiet corridor.

He turned his head to look at Li Zhi beside him. The girl's fair cheeks glowed faintly under the ceiling light in the corridor, making the undisguised expectation in her eyes even brighter.

"Are you ready, Li Bao?" he asked in a low voice, his voice tinged with amusement, his hand holding the keys pausing for a moment.

Li Zhiwei raised her chin, her clear eyes glaring at him, urging with her gaze, "Open the door! What are you dawdling for?"

A satisfied chuckle escaped the boy's throat as the key turned.

With a soft "click," the door lock popped open.

Shen Yuan pushed open the heavy security door, and the familiar atmosphere of his home rushed towards him.

Only a soft wall lamp was lit in the living room. Ms. Zhang Yuyan had already returned to her room. The house was very quiet, like a stage that had been specially cleared for them.

Shen Yuan stepped aside to make way, his gaze landing on Li Zhi's face with a hint of invitation.

Li Zhi took a deep breath. The tension had not completely dissipated. Instead, stepping into this familiar space, which seemed to be imbued with special meaning, added a subtle sense of excitement.

She stepped across the threshold bathed in warm light, her figure disappearing inside. Shen Yuan followed closely behind, gently closing the door behind him.

"boom."

The soft sound of the door closing echoed briefly in the entryway before falling completely silent.

Shen Yuan reached out and precisely grasped her hand.

Warm palms covered her knuckles again, and the red string on her wrists rubbed gently against their touching skin.

"bring it on."

He spoke in a low voice, with a magnetic quality that seemed to guide her into a secret, and pulled her directly past the empty living room to his room.

Standing in front of the door, Shen Yuan's hand gripped the cold doorknob.

"Click."

The door hinges turned with a faint sound, and the gap in the door slowly widened.

Shen Yuan led Li Zhi into the room.

Several books and papers were spread out on the desk, and the glow of the desk lamp quietly enveloped a corner.

The room was filled with a familiar atmosphere.

"Hold on."

Shen Yuan said in a low voice.

He released Li Zhi's hand, and the sudden disappearance of warmth left the girl's palm feeling slightly empty.

She stood there, watching Shen Yuan walk straight towards the small study that connects to the inside of the bedroom.

His silhouette paused briefly in the light at the doorway before he turned and went inside, his figure half-hidden by the door frame.

In the quiet room, you could hear the faint sounds of him pulling open a drawer or flipping open a lid.

A few seconds later, Shen Yuan reappeared at the study door.

He carried two things in his hands and walked back with light steps.

Li Zhi's gaze instantly focused on that direction.

In his left hand, he held a piece of stiff cardstock with the shape of the rubbing clearly visible on the edge.

There were clear cat paw prints on it.

His right hand held a transparent, no-wash ink pad.

Shen Yuan smiled confidently, a hint of anticipation in his eyes, and gently placed the card with the paw prints of his two daughters and the small inkpad on the empty space on his desk.

He turned his head and looked at Li Zhi, who was a little confused by the special prop, yet vaguely aware of what was about to happen.

The boy's clear eyes reflected the lamplight, as well as her complex expression at that moment.

Li Zhi's gaze instantly fell on the small piece of hard cardboard under the desk lamp.

The light clearly outlines the shape of the rubbing.

One paw print is full and round, exuding the adorable innocence unique to kittens, while the other is slightly faint, with a few barely perceptible traces of stubbornness along the edges.

The girl's breath hitched slightly. All her previous speculations about expensive jewelry, the latest electronic products, and even pranks shattered silently like bubbles.

Expectations, like flames suddenly ignited and then carefully contained, danced silently in her chest.

"...Did you get Naonao and Sangeng to do this?"

Her voice was soft, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, but her gaze had already slid from the paw print card to Shen Yuan's face, which was filled with expectation and a hint of smugness.

Shen Yuan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he picked up the small, transparent, no-wash inkpad on the table and gently placed it on the rubbing paper in front of Li Zhi.

"Your surprises don't stop there."

The boy's lips curved into an extremely soft smile, and his deep eyes shone with an astonishing light, as if inviting her to complete an extremely solemn ceremony.

He stretched out his finger and lightly tapped the spot where his fingerprint had been left.

Shen Yuan spoke softly.

"Come on, Zhizhi. Now it's your turn to sign for the gift."

(End of this chapter)